Avocado-Pesto BLT Bites
This Post May Contain Affiliate Links. Please Read Our Disclosure PolicyBeyond making sweets and desserts, creating flavor-packed, beautiful appetizers is one of my favorite things to do in the kitchen. That’s why I’m excited to share these Avocado-Pesto BLT Bites with you!
For me, BLTs might be one of the best sandwiches out there. They taste even better this time of year because tomatoes are in season and bursting with sun-ripened flavor. With BLTs on my brain, I decided to take them to the next level by turning them into an appetizer and throwing an avocado-pesto into the mix.
If you’re looking for a tasty appetizer that’s fairly easy to put together and suitable for almost any occasion, this is it. Not only is the flavor combination on point, but it’s wrapped in bacon. What’s not to love?
To make these bites, I recommend starting with my recipe for Brown Sugar Bacon. (You can grab that recipe here.) I find it the best way to prepare bacon because it adds a bit of sweetness and keeps the bacon from getting overly crispy. The latter is especially important in this recipe because you need to wrap the bacon around the tomato when assembling the bites. Pan frying bacon is likely to make it too crisp.
With your bacon ready, combine the avocado, cream cheese, basil pesto, and a splash of lemon juice. This sauce adds flavor and pep to the bites. (It also makes them super trendy given that avocado is all the rage these days.)
With those things prepared, you’re ready to assemble.
Cut each bacon slice into three equal pieces. Then, with the avocado-pesto in a piping bag, pipe a line onto the bacon. Next, put on a few pieces of baby arugula. (You can use any green you like, but I prefer the pepperiness of arugula.) Finally, add a tomato and secure everything around the tomato with a toothpick.
Appetizer complete.
While assembling the bites takes a little time, it goes pretty quickly. Of course, the resulting goodness is worth it.
The bites speak for themselves in looks and flavor!
I think any celebration would benefit from these cute little guys, don’t you?
Give them a try at your next gathering and let me know what you and your guests think. Enjoy!
Avocado-Pesto BLT Bites
Ingredients
- 16 strips thick cut bacon cooked*
- ½ medium avocado peeled, pitted, and chopped
- 2 ounces cream cheese softened
- 2 tablespoons basil pesto
- 1 teaspoon lemon juice
- 4 cups baby arugula
- 48 cherry tomatoes
- Toothpicks
Instructions
- Begin by cutting each slice of cooked bacon into three equal pieces. Set aside.
- In a medium bowl, use a fork to thoroughly mash together the avocado, cream cheese, pesto, and lemon juice. Put the mixture into a piping bag or plastic baggie. Cut off one corner of the baggie with scissors.
- Assemble each bite by piping a line of the avocado-pesto mixture onto a strip of bacon. Top with 2 or 3 leaves of arugula and a cherry tomato. Secure the bacon and arugula around the tomato with a toothpick. Repeat for all of the bites.
These were a winner! So colorful, pretty, and full of flavor. Thank you!
How far in advance can I make these? Avocado bacon bites
Did you get a reply as to how far in advance these can be made? I would like to make a day before and refrigerate until needed the next day?
I would be interested in knowing about making ahead also. I think am going to try baking the bacon ahead but assembling the day of…Don’t want the avocado to turn brown and tomato to get soggy!
I just filed this recipe under “Favorites”. I haven’t even tried it yet, but it combines all of my favorite ingredients, so I know that I am going to love it. I’ll be making it for a Labor Day party. And with that Watermelon Basil martini – OMG!! Your recipes are always so yummy. Thanks for sharing!
I’m so glad you like this recipe. You’ll have to let me know how they turn out. Thanks!
xo Michael
I forwarded this to my friend Jenny, whom I knew was inundated with cherry tomatoes! She said she made them and they were absolutely delicious– thank you very much !!
YAY! I love them too! I’m so glad you shared the recipe. I appreciate it!
xo Michael
#gitinmybelly 😍
Lol.
xo Michael
I’ll be making these for our an event my girlfriend is hosting this weekend. Thank you!
Yay! I’m certain everyone will love them. Enjoy and have fun at the event!
xo Michael
These look DREAMY!!! gimme gimme with a nice glass of rose’! 🙂
You’re speaking my language! <3
xo Michael
MMM…those looks tasty! The next time you post an appetizer recipe can you share how you determine how many to prepare? 2-3 per person? more?
Thanks!
I usually don’t provide that number as the amount of appetizers guests will eat depends on so many varying factors (time of day, what else is being served, the type of event, etc.) You’d be best determining how many you need based on your particular event and menu.
xo Michael